Changes to fee remission

Posted on November 5, 2015

A simpler and faster fee remission process has been developed by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Fee remission is available to individuals in receipt of benefits or on a low income which may create a barrier to justice as they are unable to pay Court or Tribunal fees.

The fee remission process has been renamed “Help with Fees” and a new form (EX160) has been created which is also available online. This requires applicants to self-assess and removes the requirement to provide documentary evidence such as bank statements and payslips at the outset.

HMCTS will now check directly with the Department of Work and Pensions whether the applicant is in receipt of benefits so they can determine eligibility for help with fees. In some cases, evidence will still be required before an application can be assessed. HMCTS urges applicants to keep copies of all documents which may be required as part of the process.

This is good news for applicants as the burden of dealing with the financial constraints of bringing a claim coupled with preparing, issuing and having the claim accepted should not be under-estimated. It is hoped that this will reduce the waiting time for an application to be accepted or rejected.

For further information on whether you may be eligible for “help with fees”, click here.

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